To some people, sprucing up a burger means slapping on onions or squirting on mustard. But Joe Kaplan at Joe’s Garage had different ideas when he set out to recreate this all-American food. In this rendition, he doesn’t even use hamburger – he uses pork. “Grilled burgers are the quintessential American meal,” says Kaplan. ”People make changes to pastas and pizzas. So I thought why not do it with burgers?” Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, garlic chili paste and fresh mint mix into his Asian pork burger to give it a zing of flavor. Then come the toppings: a lusty roasted red pepper sauce and Japanese coleslaw that combines vegetables, peanuts, and nutty soy vinaigrette. “It’s East meets West in a bun,” says Kaplan.

Though there’s plenty of indoor seating, the premier spot here is the “lovely (and) spacious” rooftop deck, overlooking the famed Basilica of St. Mary. The eclecticmenu features burgers including “a spicy Asian pork (one) seasoned with ginger, garlic, soy sauce and chili paste”; mashed potatoes, pastas and risottos with “build-your-own” toppings such as grilled chicken, salmon or shrimp; and daily specials such as “a grilled grouper over basmati rice, topped with grilled eggplant and a lively red and yellow pepper salsa.”

Q: On a sunny summer day, what could be finer than outdoor dining at a sidewalk cafe?

A: A rooftop table – in the fresh air but away from the noise, the exhaust and the gawkers. At least five Minneapolis locations now offer rooftop tables, including Joe’s Garage, Brit’s Pub, Backstage at Bravo!, Annie’s Parlor in Dinkytown and Walker Art Center’s Gallery 8. Gastronomically the pick of the pack is Joe’s Garage on Harmon Place, facing Loring Park. The original burger list has been pared to make room for a few pastas and risottos, as well as daily lunch and dinner specials…
– Jeremy Iggers